Frequently asked questions

What are the Horizontal Falls?

In the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the fast moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapid like formations which rush through the twin gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfalls turned on their side.

The powerful tides in the Kimberley can reach more than 10 metres and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day.

Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago this unique waterfall is not accessible by vehicle. You can view the Horizontal Falls from the air with a scenic flight on our Half Day or Full Day tours from Broome. Get up close and hold on tight as you take a thrilling boat ride through the rushing water torrents. If you would like to have an extended experience, you may want to join our Derby Overnight Stay, Horizontal Falls 24 Hour Stay or our 4 Night Ultimate Horizontal Falls Cruise.

This area is part of the Lalang-garram/Horizontal Falls Marine Park, created in 2016 as part of the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.

What do I need to bring on my trip?

Bathers, towel, sun protection and a camera.

Do I need to bring money?

All food is provided but please bring money if you wish to purchase any merchandise or souvenirs.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Absolutely.  Simply advise us of your requirements prior to your departure so our chefs can arrange the appropriate catering.

Can I do the tour if I am pregnant?

Yes, you can participate in most parts of the tour but we do advise that the boat ride through the Horizontal Falls may not be suitable for women who are more than 26 weeks pregnant. Any women joining our tour whilst in any stage of pregnancy should seek their doctors approval prior to travel.

Are children welcome on the Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures tours?

Children are welcome on all our tours but for safety reasons, guests have to be four years or older.

Do you offer transfers to and from our accommodation in Broome?

Yes, we do offer complimentary transfers from most major Broome hotels and motels, however we are unable to pick up from residential or Airbnb properties. 

Are there any age and weight restrictions?

Children must be four years or older. Due to safety requirements on the Horizontal Falls seaplanes, there is a passenger weight limit of 120kgs.

Are there any luggage restrictions on the overnight tours?

As your Horizontal Falls Cruise includes travel by seaplane, we ask that you please be mindful of the weight restrictions on our aircraft.

Please pack as light as possible, as we have an 5kg baggage limit per person.  And please pack your belongings in a soft bag for easy storage.  If you have additional luggage, we do have secure storage facilities at our Horizontal Falls Seaplanes Adventures office in Broome.   We’d appreciate it you could please advise us the day before your departure if you require excess luggage storage.

Can I do the overnight tour from Broome?

Unfortunately the luxury overnight tour is only available from Derby.

How long is the flight to Talbot Bay?

The flight from Broome to Talbot Bay takes approximately 1hr 15 minutes, and from Derby, the flight is approximately 40 minutes.

How do I make payment?

We take credit card (Visa or Mastercard) and Direct Debit.  A surcharge of 1% applies for credit card payments.

Do your tours run all year round?

No.  Horizontal Falls is a seasonal attraction, so Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures only operates tours seasonally, and the commencement and conclusion dates are subject to change each year.

Tours will recommence in 2020 on the 22nd of March for half day tours, 6th of April for full day tours, and on 7th of May for tours out of Derby.

During the season, to ensure that passengers have the best possible experience witnessing the incredible tidal power of the Horizontal Falls, we do not operate on days when there are neap tides. Neap tides are when there is the smallest difference between low and high tides.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures will not be operating on the following dates in 2020:

Please contact us to confirm our seasonal dates within each season.

What are marine park fees?

To ensure the conservation and preservation of the Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park, and to provide opportunities for Dambimangari Traditional Owner employment, fees apply to all visitors.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures collects fees on behalf of the marine park’s joint management body comprising the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions and the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation.

Fees are payable at the time of booking and are as follows:

• $5.50 per person for day visitors;
• $17.00 per adult and $7.20 per child (4-12 years inclusive) for overnight stays;
• $10.50 per passenger older than five (5) years for helicopter or fixed wing scenic flights from the marine park.